TENAI EGUEN, Ph.D.
Parsippany,USA
Summary
STEM educator, mentor, and scientist with over 15 years of experience guiding learners through inquiry-based learning, scientific research, and authentic problem-solving experiences. Experienced in teaching, curriculum development, project leadership, and student mentorship across K–12, undergraduate, and graduate settings. Proven ability to help students develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and independent learning skills through meaningful, hands-on projects. Passionate about empowering students to tackle real-world challenges, take ownership of their learning, and achieve ambitious goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher (K–12)
ESS
01.2024 - Current
- Deliver engaging mathematics, science, and interdisciplinary lessons across K–12 classrooms.
- Adapt instruction to support diverse learning styles, academic needs, and classroom environments.
- Foster student engagement through interactive learning and educational technology.
Behavior Technician / Registered Behavior Technician
Comprehensive Behavior Supports
01.2024 - Current
- Provide individualized instruction and coaching to learners with diverse communication, social, behavioral, and academic needs.
- Use data-informed strategies to develop communication, problem-solving, self-regulation, and independent living skills.
- Collaborate with families, educators, and interdisciplinary teams to support student growth and success.
Compliance Coordinator / Internal Auditor
Ibiz Controls
01.2023 - Current
- Conduct audit interviews, manage project lifecycles, prepare presentations, and coordinate training activities.
- Support organizations in process improvement, compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Assistant Professor and Research Scientist
University of Copenhagen
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Designed and instructed laboratory coursework for the university course From Genomics to Plant Breeding; developed laboratory exercises, trained teaching assistants, coordinated instructional activities, graded reports, and served as examiner.
- Supervised two master’s students and two undergraduate students through independent thesis projects involving bioinformatics and molecular biology.
- Led collaborative research projects involving multiple international institutions while mentoring students in experimental design, scientific communication, problem solving, and project management.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Copenhagen
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Co-supervised local and international undergraduate researchers and trained students in experimental design, troubleshooting, data interpretation, and presentation development.
- Managed laboratory operations, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and collaborative research activities.
- Co-authored four peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology Tutor
Tutoring Club
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Provided individualized academic coaching and tutoring in mathematics, chemistry, and biology.
- Helped students strengthen problem-solving skills, study habits, and academic confidence.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Biology
University of California, San Diego
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management Economics
University of California, Santa Cruz
Skills
- Project-Based Learning
- Student Mentorship
- Inquiry-Based Instruction
- STEM Education
- Mathematics & Science Instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Critical Thinking Development
- Positive Behavior Support
- Educational Technology
Websites
Certification
- Registered Behavior Technician
- Certified Provisional ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
- New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility – Middle School Mathematics (Grades 5–8), Application Review in Progress
- New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility – Elementary School Teacher (K–6), Application Review in Progress
- Praxis 5164: Middle School Mathematics – Passed
- Praxis 5003: Elementary Education Mathematics – Score: 200
- Praxis 5005: Elementary Education Science – Score: 195
- Praxis 5004: Elementary Education Social Studies – Score: 187
- Praxis 5002: Elementary Education Reading and Language Arts – Score: 173
AWARDS
UCSD Biological Sciences Division Best Teaching Assistant Award (2008)
TEACHING & MENTORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Trained and mentored new teaching assistants as Senior Teaching Assistant within the UC San Diego Division of Biological Sciences.
- Mentored four undergraduate students and one master’s student through independent research projects, scientific presentations, and professional development.
- Supervised students in upper-division laboratory courses and received the UCSD Biological Sciences Division Best Teaching Assistant Award.
- Served as Instructor for the University of Copenhagen course From Genomics to Plant Breeding from 2019–2022.
- Served as Visiting Scientist for the UCSD ScienceBridge “Young Scientist in the Classroom” program supporting underserved high school students.
- Delivered guest lectures and laboratory instruction in genetics, molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology.
Timeline
Substitute Teacher (K–12)
ESS
01.2024 - Current
Behavior Technician / Registered Behavior Technician
Comprehensive Behavior Supports
01.2024 - Current
Compliance Coordinator / Internal Auditor
Ibiz Controls
01.2023 - Current
Assistant Professor and Research Scientist
University of Copenhagen
01.2020 - 01.2022
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Copenhagen
01.2014 - 01.2018
Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology Tutor
Tutoring Club
01.2004 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management Economics
University of California, Santa Cruz
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Biology
University of California, San Diego